The boundaries between automotive engineering and micromobility are blurring as Also, an electric vehicle startup spun out of Rivian, prepares to launch its flagship TM-B e-bike this fall. Priced between $3,500 for the Launch Edition and $4,500 for the Performance model, the vehicle discards traditional bicycle mechanical linkages in favor of a full drive-by-wire architecture adapted from modern electric cars.<\/p>\n
Unlike conventional electric bicycles where human pedaling mechanically drives the rear wheel through a chain or belt connection, the TM-B operates on a pedal-by-wire system. Pedaling force serves as a digital control input into an electronic management unit\u2014similar to an electronic accelerator pedal in a passenger car\u2014while human physical output feeds an integrated generator that recharges the battery pack.<\/p>\n
This software-defined vehicle platform enables over-the-air updates to fundamentally alter ride dynamics post-purchase. System software can dynamically calibrate virtual gear steps, adjust simulated torque delivery, or execute a fully automated transmission mode without physical mechanical gear changes.<\/p>\n
Regulated under standard e-bike classification standards<\/a> as a Class 3 model, the TM-B includes a hand throttle capped at 20 mph and pedal assistance up to 28 mph. The powertrain generates up to 133 pound-feet of torque, enabling the 80-pound vehicle to achieve 0.3g of acceleration from a standstill. To manage center of gravity, the battery and motor are positioned low in a central frame housing, paired with smaller 24-inch wheels for low-speed maneuvering.<\/p>\n To support multi-rider households, Also engineered an electronically locked, swappable upper frame assembly. Changing the seat post module permits riders ranging from 4 feet 10 inches to 6 feet 8 inches to share the same base chassis, while alternative frame attachments accommodate cargo or child-transport accessories.<\/p>\n Braking utilizes an integrated Anti-lock Braking System coupled with dynamic energy regeneration. When brake levers are compressed, the system prioritizes rear-wheel slowing and regenerative energy recapture, returning up to 25 percent of kinetic energy back to the battery. To prevent front-wheel lockup during aggressive braking, control units can pulse propulsion back into the rear hub motor to maintain directional stability.<\/p>\n Estimated single-charge range spans 60 to 100 miles depending on specification. The removable battery pack incorporates dual USB-C ports for charging personal electronics. Control functions are routed through a handlebars-mounted circular color touchscreen running proprietary turn-by-turn navigation programmed to leverage electric motor torque rather than routing around steep inclines.<\/p>\n Vehicle security operates via Bluetooth smartphone pairing. The TM-B locks its drivetrain and secures the internal battery upon owner departure. An onboard motion sensor issues push notifications if touched, while a secondary backup power source maintains satellite GPS tracking for up to seven days if the primary battery is removed.<\/p>\n The commercial strategy extends beyond consumer retail sales. Leveraging Rivian’s experience producing fleet delivery vans for Amazon, Also is developing commercial cargo quads alongside autonomous last-mile delivery vehicles in partnership with DoorDash.<\/p>\n The vehicle’s market entry coincides with heightened regulatory scrutiny across North America. State legislatures, including New Jersey<\/a>, are evaluating bills to require licensing and registration for high-power Class 3 e-bikes. Concurrently, reliance on custom suspension parts and proprietary software poses long-term serviceability hurdles\u2014operational complexities that contributed to severe financial distress for specialized e-bike pioneers like VanMoof and Rad Power Bikes when scaling repair networks.<\/p>\n